How to Build a Business Network

To survive in business in today's competitive market, you need to build a thriving business network. As they say, success isn't always a matter of WHAT you know, but WHO you know.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Business Cards
• A solid handshake
• A ready smile
• 30 second "infomercial"
• Excellent Listening skills

1. Determine the types of people you need and want to add to your network. Who are the people who will benefit from the services and products your business sells? Who are people who KNOW the people who will benefit from your services and products?
2. Determine where you can meet the people you are interested in adding to your network. Where do these people gather? Where do they socialize? Does it seem beneficial to join your local Chamber of Commerce? What social organizations or clubs may be of interest to you? Join groups. Attend mixers.
3. Show up and show up! Seems redundant perhaps, but you must PHYSICALLY show up at the event and you must MENTALLY show up. Both can be a challenge. Make the time in your schedule and plan ahead so you arrive at the event on time and ready to network. That means having a positive attitude and a desire to meet people.
4. Dress for success. Make sure your attire is appropriate for the event and that you are well-groomed. Your physical appearance is really important. When you look your best, it shows. You are more confident and more engaging. Smile! Look alive! Be aware of your body language.
5. Connect!! Making contact with others at a mixer can be difficult for some people. If you're shy or introverted (like I am), it may be beneficial to practice making a personal introduction before you actually do it. Have a script of sorts. Be prepared to tell others about yourself. A thirty second "informercial" is crucial. Tell others who you are, what you do, and what you hope to gain from the event. But DO NOT ATTEMPT to SELL!!!
6. Engage the other person. Get him or her to talk. Remember that networking is about building relationships. Ultimately, you want to close the deal, but that happens after the relationship is built. So, listen, ask questions, learn about the other. Show genuine interest and try to call the person you are chatting with by his or her name.
7. Exchange business cards and take note of the details presented. The business card is a reminder of the new contacts name, business title, business type, and contact information. Business cards can also provide additional information including company mission statement, services offered, and affiliates. If something piques your interest, mention it.
8. Work your network. What you do after making contact is crucial. Send a card letting your new contact know that you were delighted to connect at the mixer. Invite your new contact to lunch. If you feel comfortable making referrals to the contact's business, do so. Remember the rule of six degrees of separation. Your new contact may not be your best customer, but his or her best friend may turn out to be your best customer.
9. Share your successes with your network. If someone in your network handed you an amazing and lucrative referral, be sure to show your appreciation. Send a gift basket or a bottle of wine. Invite the new customer and the person who referred him or her to lunch or dinner.
   "Thank you" goes a long, long way in building your reputation as a business partner.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your business cards are very professional in appearance. Have them produced professionally.
• If you are unsure of proper business etiquette and protocol for cocktail parties, dining out, etc. do some research.
• Fake it until you make it. If networking and meeting people is difficult for you, pretend you are confident. Your psyche doesn't know the difference.
• Be aware of hygiene. If you are a smoker, be sure to wash your hands and take a breath mint after smoking. Do not try to cover up the smell of cigarette smoke with strong colognes or perfumes. Strong scents may be as offensive as the smell of smoke.
• If you drink alcohol at a mixer, know your limit. Be sure to eat a good lunch and drink plenty of water before the event. The effects of alcohol can sneak up on you.
• Do not stand in one place during the event. Do not form a clique. Do not appear unapproachable.